Would you replace this spindle or send it?

[SamC777]

Drivers front wheel bearings quit on me, and it's looking like this spindle is done too. I have one extra (in my hand in the 2nd photo) that comparably seems to be in ok condition, but I'd really rather not replace it if I don't have to. I bought this spindle brand new almost three years ago, and I know you can't really find these anywhere now.

The junkyards near me (short of a two hour drive) don't usually have Rangers of my year, and the one I know that does pretty much only has the 2wd. Anybody know where else I can get a new one if needed?

 

[Uncle Gump]

It's hard to tell from that picture honestly.

I would try to slide a mew bearing on it... see how it feels.

 

[Shran]

Need a picture of where the bearings ride... that large protrusion is where the seal rides. That doesn't look bad to me.

Generally if you can catch a fingernail on any spot where the bearings ride, it's questionable to reuse it but in a pinch even really awful looking spindles will work OK.

 

[SamC777]

Need a picture of where the bearings ride... that large protrusion is where the seal rides. That doesn't look bad to me.

Generally if you can catch a fingernail on any spot where the bearings ride, it's questionable to reuse it but in a pinch even really awful looking spindles will work OK.

Already took it off, but here's a photo. In the second picture, you can see the marks on the surface where the bearing rides. That's what I'm most concerned about...

Edited to add a hopefully clearer photo of said marks.

 

[don4331]

The surface where the bearing(s) ride is covered by your thumb/bearing in the 2nd photo.

The brinelling on the rough machined surface in the 1st picture, shouldn't have bearing contact.

 

[Curious Hound]

I dontsee anything horrible. But these pictures still don't clearly show what we need to see.

 

[SamC777]

The surface where the bearing(s) ride is covered by your thumb/bearing in the 2nd photo.

The brinelling on the rough machined surface in the 1st picture, shouldn't have bearing contact.

After putting the wheel seal on and then the bearing, I can see you are correct! I guess my question is now, what was banging against that brinelling to cause those marks? The old wheel seal, as failed as it was, didn't have any marks, and the areas nearby on the rotor look OK too...

Here are some better, unimpeded photos of the spindle surface. I don't personally see or feel any issues with it, aside from those hotspots on it

 

[SamC777]

I dontsee anything horrible. But these pictures still don't clearly show what we need to see.

Just posted new ones

 

[Curious Hound]

If you scrape your fingernail across that surface and you don't feel any ridges, I would say that spindle has some life left in it. When you slide the bearing on, it should be slightly snug and should slide on smoothly. If there is any play or looseness between the inner diameter of the bearing race and the spindle, then replace the spindle. Up until a few weeks ago, @85_Ranger4x4 was driving on worse spindles than those.

 

[SamC777]

If you scrape your fingernail across that surface and you don't feel any ridges, I would say that spindle has some life left in it. When you slide the bearing on, it should be slightly snug and should slide on smoothly. If there is any play or looseness between the inner diameter of the bearing race and the spindle, then replace the spindle. Up until a few weeks ago, @85_Ranger4x4 was driving on worse spindles than those.

Thank you! I'm glad I get to save my other one for another day.

 

[Shran]

Spindle looks mint. Run it.

Couple of mine look terrible... monkeys beat hammer marks into them and severe wear from bearings that usually cleans up somewhat with emery cloth. In a pinch you can get by with dimpling the bearing surfaces with a center punch so that the inner bearing races don't spin on the spindle - it is a real nightmare to remove the rotor after you do that though.